Titan 1 - My 3rd Gen Rear Bumper
 

Well, I call it Titan 1 for a few reasons - it's big, stout and sturdy and it will definately be followed up by Titan 2 (which would be similar to Titan 1 with some modifications). Is big, stout and sturdy always a good thing? Probably not in all instances.

Who: It was built by Redd Iron Inc. - my wifes family's steel fabrication company. They specialize in structural and misc. steel. And Me, I specialize in web/graphic design, not 4x4 bumpers. :)

What: Bumper is made from 4x5" square tube - all other plate is 3/16". Weighs approx. 125 lbs. - primed, then rattle canned black (at my request). Bolted on to frame stock holes (100% bolt on)

Where: On my 4Runner

When: Built in about 12 hours - installed on Friday.

Why: Wanted more rear protection, wanted back to match front TJM.

What I like: It's solid and sturdy and will take a beating. Well built. It's a little different than any other out there.

What I don't like: It's a little big - and departure angle will suffer some (and will ultimately take a beating). It's a little heavy. Would like more angular design to compliment the TJM front even more.

What now: Well, I plan to sell this bumper and work on Titan 2 - which will incorporate what was learned on Titan 1 - and be more high clearance, angualr bumper.

Her's some pics:

http://home.earthlink.net/~stavolaimages/bumper/01.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~stavolaimages/bumper/02.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~stavolaimages/bumper/03.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~stavolaimages/bumper/04.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~stavolaimages/bumper/05.jpg

John

Good looking bumper for a 1st try. The departure angle leaves a little to be desired.

Yup! 4x5" tube is just too big. We used it cause it was right there and didn't need to be ordered in (ie. free). Didn't realize then how much those few inches affect the departure angle. Now, it might be ok if I wasn't trying to keep the spare tire in the stock location - we could have moved that tube a few inches closer in - but that's as tight as it could be with a 285 tire in the stock location.

John

I'd say throw the rear windshield wiper cover piece that sits above your rear glass....will look more evened out in my opinion.

Looks great though! :great:

Nice work, looks good! Have you seen my black fender flare mod in the tech section? That would enhance an awesome rig (yours) even further IMO.

Keep us posted on how it fares on the trail, etc.

I havn't seen it, but I'll look it up... :great:

John

You going to incorporate a swing arm for the spare tire?

Nice Job!! I bet you won't get alot of tail-gaters with that...

francr, No, I'm not planning on adding a tire carrier.

Scottz, yeah a little brake check with this bumper in their face should back'em off a bit :)


I did "trail test" this bumper a little bit this weekend and CO4RJ. It did it's job - I dropped it on a few rocks and it just scratched the paint. It didn't catch rocks as much as I thought it would. And when it did - it usually just hit on the edge - so just an inch or 2 shorter and I'd probably miss the same rock. So it's kind of a wierd situation... yes, the departure angle is not "optimum" but on the same token it is strong enough to take the beating that comes with the lower departure angle - So all and all I'm pleased with the bumper - but I still would like to design a "sleeker" higher clearance and hopefully lighter bumper. But until then, I'll be happy with "Titan 1".

John

that sucker is stout

Not to bad for a first try. At least you know that it can take a beating and come back for more.

holy crap that's HUGE.

It's genetics. :hillbill: